Tours, Overnights, Class Visits
As Colleges That Change Lives and Princeton Review point out, there are plenty of perfectly rational reasons for choosing Southwestern University: top-notch academics (what your teacher meant when he said, 'Prepare.'); a sense of history (Texas' first university, established in 1840); unconventional transportation options (viva Pirate Bikes!).
And then there's the intangible: what is life here really like? A college visit is a chance to test-drive Southwestern: you might attend a class, talk with current students, meet with a professor, coach or admission counselor, or even stay overnight in a residence hall.
You Plan the Trip, We'll Plan the Visit
The Office of Admission will make all the arrangements for your visit to Southwestern. To make appointments for individual day and overnight visits or to register for one of our scheduled campus visitation programs, simply call us toll free at 800-252-3166. If you are scheduling an extended visit, please contact us at least two weeks prior to your visit. If you need special accommodations, please notify us at that time.
Keep these dates in mind as you consider your visit:
Wednesday-Sunday, November 25-29: Thanksgiving Break--Campus Closed
Friday, December 4: Last Day of Classes
Wednesday, December 23: Offices Closed for Winter Break
Monday, January 4: Offices Re-Open
Monday, January 11: Classes Begin for Spring Semester
Monday, January 18: Campus Closed for MLK, Jr. Day
Individual Day And Overnight Visits
During the school year, you may schedule visits Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-noon. Saturday hours are only available from September through April.
The Standard Visit
(approximately 2 hours) may include the following: an information session or personal interview and a campus tour. Student conducted tours are offered at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., & 2 p.m. We prefer that you make your appointment at least two days in advance. (Standard Visit tours during the summer months are at 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.; information sessions are at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.)
The Extended Day Visit
(approximately 2 to 5 hours) allows any or all of the above, and may also include a class visit, faculty/coach appointment and lunch on campus. We prefer that you make your appointment at least two weeks in advance.
The Overnight Visit
includes any or all of the above, plus the opportunity to stay overnight in a residence hall hosted by a SU student. The overnight visits are only available Sunday through Thursday. We prefer that you make your appointment at least two weeks in advance. Overnight visits are available only to high school seniors or current first-year college students interested in transferring.
The Saturday Visit
offers tours at 11 a.m. and noon only, an information session at 11 a.m., and interviews for high school seniors at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon. Saturday visits fill up quickly, so please make arrangements as soon as possible. We prefer that you make your appointment at least two weeks in advance. Saturday hours only available from September through April.
The Dorm Tour
(approximately 30 minutes) allows any incoming new student to see the residence halls without going on a full tour. Tour rooms are to be used as an example only--we do not have access to specific rooms, so don't bring the measuring tape just yet! We prefer that you make your appointment at least two days in advance. (Dorm tours are only available at 2:30p.m., Monday-Friday from May to August).
Campus Visitation Programs
You can participate in any of these programs and make a reservation by mailing in your registration card (see pdfs below). There is a $20 per family charge for participation in each of these programs. Spaces are available on a first come, first served basis and typically fill about two weeks before the program. Below are the programs for the current academic year:
Senior Visit Day
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Want to know what college is all about? Senior Visit Day offers an introduction to Southwestern and the college search process. From 9 a.m. (okay, so not exactly "College Central Time") to 3 p.m., learn about:
- The college application process
- Choosing a liberal arts and sciences education
- The Sarofim School of Fine Arts
- NCAA Division III athletics
- Campus life from a student perspective
- And, especially for parents -- How do I finance a private education?
Senior Overnight Visits
Sunday/Monday, February 14/15, 2010
Following a 5 p.m. check-in, students will have dinner with a current student host, see a panel presentation and attend a social kick-off event. Stay overnight on campus with a Southwestern student host and after a good night's sleep (or just a good night), grab a grande from The Cove and tour campus. Your day will also include: attending classes, meeting with your admission counselor and getting to know faculty members at a special luncheon arranged just for you.
Parents are invited to attend admission and financial assistance presentations the first night and are encouraged to participate in a parent panel, campus tours and luncheon the following day. To maintain "cool parent" status, your student asks that you find your own accommodations off campus (but nearby, of course).
Admitted Student Day
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Admitted Student Day is designed to give you a final look at SU. Whether you’ve decided to sport an eyepatch as a new Pirate or if you're still walking the plank, the Admitted Student Day can help answer any lingering questions. You can tour the residence halls, meet with a financial aid officer and join us at our student organizations fair.
Junior Visit Day
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Our Junior Visit Day is a great way for juniors to get a jump on their college search. You can tour the campus, obtain information about admission, scholarships and financial aid and meet members of our community!
